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Pre & Post-Liposuction Nutrition Guide
Think of diet as a powerful fuel for your body transformation journey.
When it comes to liposuction, both the surgery and the aftercare play an equally important role in reaping optimal results.
While the liposuction doctor handles the procedure, what you eat and drink plays a HUGE role in your safety, comfort and healing speed.
Here’s what Dr Ivan Puah, our medical director and MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with over 20 years of body sculpting and fat removal surgery, advice on what to and what not to eat before and after your liposuction procedure.
Why Does Diet Matter So Much for Liposuction?
Your pre and post-liposuction nutrition can greatly:
- Affect Surgical Safety: Certain foods and supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or interact negatively with anaesthesia.
- Reduce Inflammation: An anti-inflammatory diet pre-surgery primes your body, potentially leading to less post-operative swelling and bruising.
- Enhance Healing: Adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals provide the essential building blocks for tissue repair and regeneration.
- Improve Comfort: Proper hydration and nutrition can help manage discomfort and boost energy levels during recovery.
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Foods & Drinks To Skip BEFORE Liposuction In Singapore (Start 2 to 3 Weeks Before!)
In the 2 to 3 weeks leading up to your liposuction procedure in Singapore, it's essential to be mindful of your intake.
Aim to significantly reduce or completely eliminate (if possible):
- Greasy & Fried Foods: Bad fats increase inflammation, so cut down on chips, fried chicken, doughnuts, pastries and margarine.
- Super Salty Stuff: Excess salt causes water retention, leading to increased swelling (oedema) after surgery. Cut down on processed meats (sausage, bacon), canned soups, instant noodles, the use of soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and other high-sodium condiments.
- Refined Sugars & Carbohydrates: These cause blood sugar spikes and promote inflammation. Minimise sodas, bubble tea, sweetened juices/coffees, candy, cakes, white bread, and white rice.
- Alcohol: Stop completely for at least 2 weeks before surgery. Alcohol thins the blood (increasing bleeding risk), dehydrates you and can potentially interfere with anaesthesia and suppress immune function.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can contribute to dehydration and potentially affect blood pressure and heart rate during the procedure. Avoid coffee, strong tea, and energy drinks for at least 24 to 48 hours before surgery.
Vitamins & Alternative Supplements To Pause BEFORE Liposuction In Singapore (2-3 Weeks Before!)
Certain vitamins, herbs, and supplements can interfere with blood clotting or anaesthesia.
Always disclose ALL supplements and medications you take to Dr Ivan Puah during the consultation.
Generally, you should stop taking the following at least 2 to 3 weeks before surgery, as advised by your lipo doctor. These include:
Blood Thinners & Anti-inflammatories
- Vitamin E (high dose)
- Fish Oil (Omega-3s in high dose)
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
Herbs Affecting Sleep & Anaesthesia
- St. John's Wort
- Kava
- Valerian Root
Others
- Ephedra
- Goldenseal
- Ginger (High dose)
- Feverfew
- Dong Quai
However, never stop prescribed medications without explicit instructions from your liposuction doctor and the prescribing doctor.
Eating for a Smooth Recovery AFTER Liposuction: Post-Surgery Diet Recommendations
After your liposuction procedure, your focus shifts to healing and supporting your new contours. Your diet should now prioritise:
| Food Type | Benefits | What Are They? |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory Food | Rich in antioxidants & Vitamins A, C & E | • Colourful Berries • Citrus Fruits • Kangkong • Spinach • Broccoli • Bell Peppers • Tomatoes |
| Lean Protein | Essential for tissue repair and muscle mass maintenance | • Skinless chicken • Tofu • Tempeh • Lentils & beans • Eggs |
| Healthy Fats (Focus on Monounsaturated and Omega-3 Fats) | Reduce inflammation and supports overall recovery | • Olive Oil • Nuts (Almond, walnuts - unsalted) • Chia Seeds • Flaxseeds • Fatty Fish (Salmon) |
| Whole Grains | Provides sustained energy and fibre, helps with digestion | • Brown Rice • Quinoa • Oats • Wholewheat bread |
Staying hydrated is crucial AFTER liposuction
Aim to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water daily after liposuction because water can:
- Optimise blood volume and circulation, vital for healing and removing metabolic waste.
- Help flush out anaesthesia and medications.
- Reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Combat fatigue and improve overall well-being.
- Help manage swelling effectively.
Plain water is best! Herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint) and clear broths are good too.
Skip sugary drinks and limit caffeine.
Liposuction Diet FAQs at Amaris B. Clinic Singapore
How long before liposuction should I start making changes to my diet?
Aim to start implementing these dietary changes, especially avoiding blood-thinning supplements and alcohol, at least 2 to 3 weeks before your surgery date. The earlier you adopt healthy habits, the better prepared your body will be.
Can I eat my usual local Singaporean foods?
Yes, but be mindful! Opt for dishes prepared with less oil, salt, and sugar.
Choose steamed, grilled, or soupy options (like steamed fish, chicken rice without the skin/fat, clear soups, yong tau foo with lean protein and veggies) over fried foods (Hokkien mee, char kway teow, fried chicken) and very spicy or heavily sauced dishes. Control portions of rice/noodles.
Be cautious with coconut milk-based curries (Moderation is key due to saturated fat).
What about durian or other "heaty" fruits?
While traditional beliefs exist, the primary concern with some fruits after surgery is the potential impact on bleeding or inflammation due to their compounds.
It's generally recommended to avoid excessive amounts of very "heaty" fruits, such as durian, lychee, and longan, immediately before and after surgery, especially if you have any concerns.
Focus on berries, papaya, apples, pears, and citrus instead.
How long after liposuction do I need to follow the post-op diet?
The intensive focus on hydration, anti-inflammatory foods, and high protein is most critical in the first 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
However, maintaining a balanced, healthy diet rich in whole foods and low in processed items, salt, and sugar supports long-term healing, helps keep your results, and is beneficial for overall health.
Invest in Your Results with Optimal Nutrition
Preparing your body with the proper nutrients and avoiding potential hindrances is a great way to actively participate in your liposuction journey at Amaris B. Clinic Singapore.
By following these pre and post-operative dietary recommendations, you support a safer procedure, a smoother, more comfortable recovery, and pave the way for the best possible contouring results.
Ready to discuss your liposuction goals?
Contact Amaris B. Clinic Singapore today to schedule a personalised consultation with our liposuction doctor. We'll guide you through every step, including personalised advice to prepare your body for success.
Disclaimer: This article provides general nutritional guidance for liposuction patients. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice from your liposuction or a qualified nutritionist. Always follow the specific pre and post-operative instructions provided by your Amaris B. Clinic surgical team.